Massive Income Tax and Lokayukta raids uncover gold and cash haul tied to alleged nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and builders.
December 20, 2024: Bhopal: In a dramatic twist, 52 kg of gold biscuits worth over ₹40 crore and ₹10 crore in cash were discovered in an abandoned Innova car in the Mendori jungle, on the outskirts of Bhopal. The Income Tax Department and Lokayukta Police have launched intensive investigations into this shocking seizure, which is suspected to be part of a larger nexus involving politicians, bureaucrats, and real estate entities.
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The Innova was intercepted after police received inputs about gold being transported through the forest route. A massive team of 100 policemen and 30 police vehicles surrounded the car to prevent an escape. However, upon inspection, the car was found empty except for two bags containing the gold and cash.
Car Owner and Suspects Under Investigation
The abandoned car reportedly belongs to Chetan Gaur, a resident of Gwalior, who is an associate of Saurabh Sharma, a former constable with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Mr. Sharma, along with several builders, is under investigation. The seized assets are believed to be linked to their activities, though no official claim has been made over the recovered gold and cash yet.
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Raids Uncover More Assets
In a parallel operation, Lokayukta officials raided Saurabh Sharma’s house in the posh Arera Colony of Bhopal on Thursday. The raid uncovered over ₹1 crore in cash, half a kilogram of gold and diamonds, silver bars, and property documents.
The raids were part of a larger crackdown on prominent builders in Bhopal over the past two days. Among those targeted was Rajesh Sharma of Trishul Constructions, a major figure in the local construction business. Allegedly close to senior bureaucrats and influential politicians, he has reportedly used these connections to secure major construction contracts.
Findings From the Builder Raids
During the raids on Rajesh Sharma and others, authorities seized:
- ₹3 crore in cash
- Gold jewelry worth lakhs
- Documents related to land and property acquisitions
- 10 lockers containing additional valuables
- Records of a 5-acre land purchase
Wider Implications
The raids have highlighted alleged deep-rooted corruption involving influential political and bureaucratic figures. Officials are probing the source and purpose of the seized assets, which are suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities tied to real estate deals.
This unprecedented discovery has sent shockwaves across the city and is expected to reveal more details in the coming weeks as investigations progress.
Tags:
Bhopal Jungle Gold Seizure, Income Tax Raid, Lokayukta Raid, Politician-Builder Nexus, Black Money, Gold Haul, Real Estate Corruption, Saurabh Sharma Raid,
